How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in Texas

Need to use a Texas birth certificate in another country? Most consulates, universities, and foreign agencies will ask for an apostille or authentication before they accept it.

This step-by-step guide explains, in clear language, how to apostille a Texas birth certificate, which copies are acceptable, and the most common mistakes that cause delays.

Section 1 – What Is an Apostille for a Birth Certificate?

An apostille is an official certificate issued by the State of Texas that confirms:

• the birth certificate is genuine, and
• the signature and seal on the birth certificate belong to a recognized Texas official.

Foreign governments are not expected to recognize local Texas seals. The apostille is the “bridge” that makes your Texas document valid abroad.

Section 2 – When Do You Need a Birth Certificate Apostille?

You typically need an apostille on a birth certificate when you are:

• applying for dual citizenship or nationality,
• registering a birth abroad,
• getting married in another country,
• applying for residency or a long-term visa,
• enrolling a child in school overseas, or
• presenting proof of birth to a foreign court or government agency.

If a foreign consulate or authority has told you “We need a birth certificate with apostille,” this is the process they are referring to.

Section 3 – Which Texas Birth Certificates Can Be Apostilled?

Texas will only apostille birth certificates that meet specific conditions. In almost all cases, the safest choice is a recent, long-form certified copy issued by:

• the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), or
• the local county clerk where the birth was registered.

In general, your birth certificate must:

• be an original certified copy (not a scan or photocopy),
• show the full seal or printed security features,
• include the registrar or clerk’s printed name and signature, and
• be issued in the State of Texas (not another U.S. state).

If your certificate is very old, damaged, or missing security features, it is usually better to order a fresh certified copy before requesting the apostille.

Section 4 – Step-by-Step: How to Apostille a Texas Birth Certificate

Step 1 – Confirm the Document Is Eligible

Check that your birth certificate:

• is a certified Texas record,
• was issued by an accepted office (DSHS or county clerk), and
• is in good physical condition with no major stains, tears, or missing pieces.

Step 2 – Check Your Destination Country’s Requirements

Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention will accept a Texas apostille. Countries outside the convention may require a different process called authentication and consulate legalization.

If you are not sure which process you need, check the instructions from the consulate, embassy, or receiving agency, or ask an apostille service for guidance.

Step 3 – Decide How You Will Submit the Document

You can usually choose between:

• Mailing the birth certificate to the Texas issuing authority for apostille, or
• using a professional apostille service to hand-carry, process, and return the document.

Professional services are often faster and can help avoid rejections caused by missing forms or incorrect payment.

Step 4 – Complete the Required Apostille Request Form

Texas requires a specific request form when you ask for an apostille. The form will ask for:

• your contact details,
• the country where the document will be used, and
• the number of documents you are submitting.

Be sure to list the correct destination country so the apostille can be issued properly.

Step 5 – Submit the Birth Certificate and Payment

Depending on your method, you will either:

• mail the original birth certificate, request form, and payment to the appropriate Texas office, or
• bring everything to the apostille service provider so they can process it on your behalf.

Never send irreplaceable originals without keeping copies and tracking information.

Step 6 – Receive the Apostilled Birth Certificate

When processing is complete, the office attaches the apostille certificate to your birth certificate and returns the combined document. Keep the two pages together—do not detach the apostille from the certificate.

Section 5 – Common Reasons Birth Certificate Apostilles Are Rejected

Some of the most frequent problems include:

• Non-certified copies – Scans, photos, or notarized photocopies are usually not acceptable.
• Wrong issuing office – The certificate must be issued by a recognized Texas authority.
• Damaged documents – Tears, stains, or missing portions can cause refusal.
• Incorrect destination country – Listing the wrong country on the request form can delay processing.
• Using an out-of-state record – Texas cannot apostille a birth certificate issued by another state.

If any of these apply, fix the issue first—order a new certificate or clarify requirements—before requesting the apostille.

Section 6 – Tips for Families and Individuals Outside the U.S.

If you currently live outside the United States but your birth certificate was issued in Texas:

• you do not need to travel back to Texas,
• you can often order a certified copy by mail or online, and
• an apostille service can handle the entire process and ship the document back to you internationally.

This is especially helpful for citizenship applications, residency, or marriage abroad.

Section 7 – Key Takeaways

• Use a recent, certified Texas birth certificate in good condition.
• Confirm whether your destination country requires an apostille or a different authentication process.
• Complete the Texas apostille request form carefully and list the correct country.
• Consider using a professional apostille service if you are on a deadline or live outside Texas.